Astros' Oswalt says no worries about health

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — For those worrying about Roy Oswalt's health, particularly his back, ahead of the 2010 season, the Astros ace says to stop.

“Back's feeling good,” Oswalt said Sunday as he readied for Day 2 of spring training at the Osceola County Stadium complex.

And Oswalt, who finished the 2009 season on the disabled list because of a bulging disk in his back, is not altering his pitching routine this spring.

“We're going to do pretty much the same that we've been doing,” Oswalt said. “We'll do two bullpen sessions, two (batting practice) sessions and then start the games.”

Oswalt, who posted an 8-6 record with career-highs in ERA (4.12) and no-decisions (16), did alter his conditioning routines during the offseason.

He has focused more on core strengthening exercises and less on running, favoring cardio and bike exercises instead.

This year, he also doesn't have to worry about the World Baseball Classic, which is believed to have contributed to Oswalt's back issues.

“I started throwing a little later this year,” Oswalt said . “I don't have to worry about getting some guys out from Japan and Korea.”

Oswalt is staying away from setting goals aside from aiming to start 35 games, on par with his numbers in 2004 and 2005, when he had back-to-back 20-win seasons.

“I usually don't ever set goals,” Oswalt said. “It's all about being out there. If you throw 200 innings, you're in every game, pretty much.

“It's what I preach to the young guys: 200 innings should be your goal. Win-loss record, you can't really predict that.”

With Miguel Tejada, a strong clubhouse presence, no longer around, the Astros have been vocal about wanting Oswalt and Lance Berkman to make up for the loss from a leadership standpoint.

It comes as no surprise to Oswalt.

“It all goes back on me and Lance every time,” Oswalt said. “It all goes back to me and him every time. He's the third hitter in the lineup. If he doesn't hit we don't win; if I don't pitch, we don't win.

“We know that. That's what we get paid to do and that's what we try to do. And that's pretty much all we can do.”